Episode 173: Amplifying local impact, cleantech matchmaking, a 30 Under 30 alumna reflects
Warning: This episode contains an abundance of climate-related word puns.
Week in Review
Tune in around 10:50 for commentary on this week's stories.
- 10 questions for Walmart’s sustainable fleet leader
- A tale of two companies: Tesla, Ford and the need for long-term plans
- ‘Unprecedented’: Why BP investors holding billions in shares are backing a climate resolution
Features
How energy resilience shores up community self-reliance (24:21)
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance works to build strong local economies, through initiatives focused on everything from energy democracy to neighborhood-led recycling programs. It hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Building Local Power, featuring conversations with lawmakers, journalists and advocates about ways communities can chart their own economic futures. Co-host John Farrell, who directs the Energy Democracy Initiative, chatted with us about state leadership in clean energy policy and offers insight into how businesses can work more effectively with the communities around them.
Is your resume up to date? (38:58)
"Our positions, unless they are central to the identity of a company, are a bit precarious," observes Jillian Lennartz, a currently "unaffiliated" sustainability professional who was part of the 2016 GreenBiz 30 Under 30. Lennartz, whose position at CA Technologies was eliminated in fall 2018 as part of an acquisition, reflects on her ongoing job search and why she's enthusiastic about taking her skills in climate change science to the Great White North in Vancouver. Watch for the publication of this year's 30 Under 30 list June 3.
Plugging in with Plug and Play (43:40)
The energy program at Silicon Valley-based accelerator Plug and Play connects big global companies — from Japanese utility Tokyo Gas to American oil giant Exxon Mobil — with startups developing technology that the industry can use to save money, decarbonize or build more distributed energy systems. GreenBiz senior writer Katie Fehrenbacher attended the organization's recent demo day and spoke with attendees about what's top of mind. Among the individuals represented in these highlights: Wade Bitaraf, founder of the energy program for Plug and Play; Shawn Behounek, business transformation manager for Phillips66; and Sandeep Gupta, CEO and founder of Ensemble Energy.
* All music in this episode by Lee Rosevere: "Credit Roll," "Late Night Tales," "Curiosity" and "Looking Back."
What's new at GreenBiz?
The shape of shipping. How can retailers and other e-commerce stakeholders appease consumer interest in instant gratification while meeting carbon emissions reduction goals? Register now to join GreenBiz Senior Writer and Transportation Analyst Katie Fehrenbacher for this interactive discussion at 1 p.m. EST June 11. Experts will explore various options to decarbonize shipping — including fleet electrification, moving to more efficient rail or buying carbon offsets.
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